Shirttail Creek sits above the north shore of Sugar Pine Reservoir, 15 miles from Foresthill in the Tahoe National Forest. At 3,600 feet in a forest of manzanita and ponderosa pine, it's positioned for fishing, boating, and exploring the network of trails that spider out from the Sugar Pine Recreation Area.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 39.14192, -120.78649
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-367-2224
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The campground spreads across the hillside above Sugar Pine Reservoir's north shore, tucked into a mix of manzanita and ponderosa pine at 3,600 feet. You'll find single and double family sites plus one triple site, with a few accessible options. Each site comes with the standard setup: picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are available, and the camp host sells firewood.
Expect warm days and cool nights during summer season — the elevation keeps things from getting too oppressive even when the valley below is baking.
The Water
Sugar Pine Reservoir covers 160 acres and handles both motorized and non-motorized boats. Fishing is popular, as is swimming when the water warms up. The reservoir connects to a paved accessible trail that runs from the north shore recreation sites to the south shore, complete with interpretive signs and benches for breaks.
The North Fork of the American River runs nearby, designated Wild and Scenic, offering additional fishing and swimming spots plus whitewater boating opportunities.
Beyond Camp
A trail circles the entire lake, giving you options for morning walks or longer hikes. The surrounding area holds miles of hiking, biking, and OHV trails — this is part of a larger trail network that draws riders and hikers from across the region.
The Sugar Pine Recreation Area includes multiple campgrounds, a boat ramp, and day-use areas, so you're not isolated but you're not exactly in the wilderness either. It's a middle ground between dispersed camping and the full resort experience.